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This is part II of our [FAT] (phat?) rhyming coverage of the best Alternative Arts & Fashion Week in seasons. (You can read the first part here.) Words by James Grainger. Photography by Natalie Castellino.

BEST CAMEO

Startled by flashes of capes and lamé,
The crowd wants to rise and storm the runway.

Story by Marq Frerichs, our Boulevardier columnist, who is also a professional dancer. Last week at [FAT], Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week, Marq performed 3 Solos 1 Duet, a piece he choreographed on the theme of longing. Dancer Laura Ross and opera singer Sarah Hicks provided elegant support. Photography by Natalie Castellino.

Breezing through the stage doors last Tuesday to look at the space and talk tech with stage management, I fell right back into the rituals. I surveyed the lighting grid and checked the sight-lines. I jumped up and down on the stage to feel the ballon. I was wearing combat boots and the crashing noise echoed through the empty space. Imagine what it would sound like if I fell. Doesn’t matter how much I rehearse, I always fear that I’ll fall.

Wednesday morning and the first crisis of the day: What in God’s name will I wear? I tore through everything I own and nothing, nothing was right. Should it be casual or bespoke, all black angst artsy or fashion forward kooky? What if Fashion Television wants that interview? Go with a jaunty scarf. Come afternoon, my nerves are on edge.